SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6380
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Transportation, January 27, 2010
Title: An act relating to the purchase of wetland mitigation bank credits by the department of transportation.
Brief Description: Concerning the purchase of wetland mitigation bank credits by the department of transportation.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Jacobsen, Ranker and Swecker.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/18/10, 1/27/10 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6380 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Becker, Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Hatfield, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kilmer, King and Ranker.
Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)
Background: When the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) plans a construction project every effort is made to avoid impacting wetlands. If impacts are unavoidable WSDOT is required by state and federal law to mitigate for those impacts in one of a number of ways. This can include WSDOT adding this element to the project by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving a functioning wetland within the service area; using stored credits in one of their existing mitigation banks; or by purchasing mitigation banking credits from a private entrepreneurial mitigation bank that has been certified by the Department of Ecology's wetland banking program.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): When purchasing mitigation bank credits, WSDOT must determine which bank provides the most or multiple benefit to the impacted habitat.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): Removes the Department of Fish and Wildlife from the review process and removes the words fish habitat and replaces them with impacted habitat.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available on original bill.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: OTHER: This is already a lengthy process where WSDOT coordinates with many other agencies. Each wetland bank must already go through a certification process. This bill could cause the cost of projects to go up.
Persons Testifying: OTHER: Paul Wagner, WSDOT; Gordon White, Department of Ecology.